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Moisture-The Skin’s Basic Need

THE skin’s main requirement is moisture, which helps to soften the outer layer and keep it in a youthful condition. Moisture has to be supplied to the skin in the form of an emulsion of oil and water, to which other ingredients can be added.

What is a moisturiser? A good moisturiser should perform a few basic functions. It should be a ‘humectant’, so that it attracts moisture to the skin from the atmosphere. It should also form a barrier between the skin and the elements, so that the rate of evaporation of moisture from the skin slows down. Yes, it should be porous, so that the skin can ‘breathe’. Moisturisers should therefore help to achieve a perfect balance of oil and moisture, so that the skin is kept soft and smooth.

When the skin degenerates due to age, exposure to the elements and other causes, it stops producing enough natural oil. Consequently, it also loses its ability to hold moisture. The results which are apparent on the skin surface are wrinkles, loss of elasticity and a dry, rough texture. In fact, these effects can cause the skin to age prematurely.

Since the skin is constantly exposed to external factors, the loss of moisture takes place all the time. The loss has to be replaced. Exposure to the sun is known to cause excessive damage in terms of dehydration  of the skin. Artificial heating and cooling devices also rob the skin of its natural moisture. Even the water that you use to wash your face can cause dryness, when it has been treated with chemicals to purify it. Outdoor activities and sport, like swimming, can cause excessive moisture depletion.

Supplying moisture to the skin by use of suitable cosmetic-aids is the only way to prevent the skin from drying up. This should form an integral part of the daily skin-care routine. It is also important to choose your products with care. We are fortunate that research with various ingredients has made such advanced cosmetic-aids available to us.

Moisturisers are not only available in cream or liquid form, but moisturising masks have also been devised to increase the skin’s capacity to retain moisture, or to replenish moisture depletion.

Honeywell Quick Steam Warm Moisture Humidifier